Publisher's Summary

One of the most anticipated autobiographies of this generation, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Total Recall is the candid story of one of the world's most remarkable actors, businessmen, and world leaders.

Born in the small city of Thal, Austria, in 1947, Arnold Schwarzenegger moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21. Within 10 years, he was a millionaire businessman. After 20 years, he was the world's biggest movie star. In 2003, he was elected governor of California and became a household name around the world.

Chronicling his embodiment of the American Dream, Total Recall covers Schwarzenegger's high-stakes journey to the United States, from creating the international bodybuilding industry out of the sands of Venice Beach, to breathing life into cinema's most iconic characters, and becoming one of the leading political figures of our time. Proud of his accomplishments and honest about his regrets, Schwarzenegger spares nothing in sharing his amazing story.

I must have picked this audible book up on sale. The life of Arnold never was an inspiration to me. When I started listening my plan was to skip over the bodybuilding part. Who knew that this would be fascinating and the entire autobiography would be such a pleasant inspiring read.

Schwarzenegger has accomplished a lot in life and his formula for success in the three diverse fields of bodybuilding, acting and politics is worth hearing about. Although there are probably some distortions in his account, enough of the measure of the man comes through that demands your respect.

I am not a Republican by nature but would be happy with Arnold as a leader because he knows the value of compromise and he thinks independently and does not blindly follow an entire ideology.

Whatever your political inclination is - you have to admire this man who always got results.

What made the experience of listening to Total Recall the most enjoyable?

This is a wonderful telling of Arnold Schwarzenegger's life. I say telling because while the audio book is advertised as 'read by the author', in fact, Stephen Lang reads all but two chapters. I would have preferred to hear the story in the author's words. The details are very well presented and the listener gets a real insight into the life of Mr Schwarzenegger.

Arnold's Bio~ This starts with his life as a boy in Austria with a less than close relationship with his father. His drive to get ahead by body building which takes him by storm as a teenager. While other boys had girl pin ups Arnold has american body builds in his room leading his mother to worry about his sexuality. His "goal" was to become a body builder and win the biggest titles using this to gain wealth and move to the USA and become a movie star. His very intelligent approach to business and his amazing ability to FOCUS. As his body becomes huge he wins several World Titles and he ends up in LA at the Gold Gym he read about in his teens. He sets up a mail order business selling body building phamplets His first efforts in the movies was PUMPING IRON which caught the attention of the Hollywood crowd. He becomes a millionaire and invested in buildings and land. He gets an education taking business courses. He became an American Citizen. At a fund raiser he comes in contact with the lovely Maria Shriver. He evenutally marries. His movie career takes off to make him the highest paid and biggest box office star. Arnold makes his own decisions even after he is married. He decided not to tell Maria he needed open heart surgery. He was planning on running on the republican ticket for Governor of California and told Maria only *days* before his David Letterman annoucement. Arnold is at best brilliant but perhaps is the worlds great salesman. He can sell himself in bodybuilding, acting, and republican governor in a very democratic state. He finally confessed a life changing "secret" the day after was no longer governor. He has a 14 year old son with his housekeeper. He stated he only suspected the boy was his after the boy was 7. Arnold has a trick he uses throughout his book. His ablity to ignore anything that would cause him trouble. He puts in a "compartment" in his mind and trys his best to keep it "under raps". Arnold comes across as a very intelligent and interesting man. His EGO is as big as he is. We see the flaws in this bigger than life man and his secrets that help destroy his marriage. Arnold at best is a survivor. This is an excellent audiobook. It is very well written and the story flows along. The Reader Stephen Lang is very good and Arnold reads parts himself. I give this 5 STARS over all for a better than I ever expected Bio.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a prime example of someone whose focus and determination set him apart from other people. Athlete, businessman, actor, public servant, philanthropist...the list goes on and on. He embodies so many qualities that I find admirable. I grew up watching his celebrity rise through movies and then peak as governor of California. I always wondered what kind of man could go to a foreign country without speaking the language and become so successful. The book provided insight into his motivations, ambition and intelligence. I found his life story fascinating, although I think there were times he did not give us the whole story. Some may fault him for his foibles and peccadilloes, but who among us is perfect in thought and deed? In fact, I believe his weaknesses make him easier to relate to. I highly recommend this autobiography from a truly exceptional modern renaissance man.

Would you consider the audio edition of Total Recall to be better than the print version?

Yup, but only since I don't like reading

What was one of the most memorable moments of Total Recall?

There were quite a few throughout the book. I don't know much about american politics but quite enjoyed his account of his years spent as governor. Also enjoyed how he talked about body building and the physical requirements. There are a few funny stories too!

Which character – as performed by Stephen Lang and Arnold Schwarzenegger – was your favorite?

Although this book follows the life of this amazing person, it's much more, it explains why Arnold made all of the major decisions in his life. He is extremely fair pointing out all of the both his bad points as well as the good. Here is a man who came to the United States with next to nothing and became a successful business person, the world's best bodybuilder, one of the world's top grossing actor, led the nation in a push for physical fitness and became the governor of California. He has mingled with Presidents, business giants and celebrities and yet in his mind he is still a regular guy who just worked extremely hard and did well. It's truely the best example of the American dream. You can't listen to this book and not be motivated. Arnold did more than say that the United States of America was the greatest country in the world he proved it.

What does Stephen Lang and Arnold Schwarzenegger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The book is read by both Arnold and Steven Lang. It's a great mixture. It's great to hear Arnold tell his story and Lang jumps in for the bulk of the book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was so impressed with a young Arnold buying an apartment building when most everyone else would have waited until they were better suited. He did plenty of research and began his empire when the rest of us would have still been dreaming. He is a man of action and this more than all of his other accomplishments demonstates this fact.

Any additional comments?

As Arnold indicates, don't copy all of his actions, learn from his example and improve your life and the lives of those around you. He gave up countless millions to be governor of California so he can give back to the country that allowed him to be such a success, we can all learn from his example.

Great story, well written, but it loses a lot since Arnold reads only a small piece of it by himself. Really disappointing. With another person's voice, it felt strange - not really false, but not as true as when Arnold reads his chapter.

What made the experience of listening to Total Recall the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the early days and opinions of LA. His burgeoning businesses were very interestingBest part were the detailed explanations of each film. ( dissapointed commando was hardly mentioned)

What was one of the most memorable moments of Total Recall?

Lots of moments (24 hour book). Military stories were fun.

What does Arnold Schwarzenegger and Stephen Lang bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I was disapointed when Arnie only done the first chapter but once the other voice took over he was very good too.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I wasnt moved to tears but i was amazed at the honesty regarding his "affair" with the housekeeper. i didnt excpect this to be in the book but it was handled in a very up front manner.

Any additional comments?

I remember reading arnies first biog as a child and being very motivated, now it transpires he did take steroids. This part is handled very tentatively and whilst i loved the story and its telling i think the steroid element should have had much greater importance given in this story. He mentions drug testing happens in bodybuilding now but we know bodybuilders continue to openly abuse steroids.For all his faults which he admits to, Arnie continues to have the ability to inspire. Any young person with a goal or lack of could do worse than listening to this book.Straight into my do not delete library.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

levw49

United Kingdom

4/29/13

Overall

"Inspirational!"

This is such a well told story of a remarkable mans life, so much so that I have thoroughly annoyed my friends and family going on about it. I bought it for fun really thinking that Arnold hasn't released anything before really so it would be interesting, but it's so much more. From the start you know this is going to be a tale of rags to riches but throughout all of it you cant help but admire everything about him, from his determination to succeed in life and break the mould, to his gentle nature and just the way he speaks about everything as 'matter of fact' and at no point does he get bitter about events in his life or adopt the 'Woe is me' view which so many of our modern day celebrities do. This was a real eye opener to me and an inspiration, and I believe that no matter who you and what you think of him, everyone should listen to the last chapter titled 'Arnold's Rules' (narrated by arnold himself). It puts a lot of so called motivational speakers and life coaches to shame and is something I have listened to on it's own several times. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone, safe in the knowledge that they will take away something positive with them.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Mr

Croydon, United Kingdom

4/7/13

Overall

"Interesting life. "

A very accurate events of the authors life. The book goes into great detail about all aspects of Schwarzenegger's life from his early childhood back home in Austria to his multi million dollar movies to his body building. The man has clearly led a packed life, full of exciting and interesting moments.

He really goes into detail about his days bodybuilding and his movies, his lie life ad marriage break down.

I would really recommend this book to any fan of his movies as it allows you to understand the man behind the characters.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Mrs

Wirral, United Kingdom

1/18/13

Overall

"Good listen"

Fear not, Arnie does not read all of it.

I was worried that he would read the whole book. Thankfully Stephen Lang was hired to finish the job. Arnie’s style of narrating just didn’t sound right to me and made for difficult listening.

Over all it was a good insight to the man. I do think it is maybe part of a PR campaign to recover his image. The other thing which stuck out was the references to his 'amazing wife'. Just seemed like this book was a way of sucking up to her to get her back.

Over all a great read.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Mr

Bournemouth, United Kingdom

12/20/12

Overall

"Without Fear"

If you are interesting as to what makes someone successful then here is one of the greatest examples. When you consider he knew no one when he got to America with limited English and a basic education Arnie became one of the greatest, certainly the most famous bodybuilders of all time. He then went on to be one of the highest paid actors of all time and then governor of California not once but twice. The remarkable thing is that he doesn’t think of himself as remarkable he just wanted it and did what was needed to get it, without fear.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Pippa Lamb

London

1/16/13

Overall

"Too long, too much."

Well, his life story is quite something. But in the end I got bored by the great 'I am' that comes with such a successful life. The book does go on and on. So you have to be a real Arnold fan to wade through this. His early life is the most interesting part, after that it is all predictable.

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

curtis

12/6/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"a evergreen book that I will listen to again"

I looked forward to driving and walking the dog every day so I could listen to this fantastic book. a truly inspiring person thanks mate

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ben McBean

11/30/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Interesting man with many dimensions"

I most enjoyed the history of bodybuilding. The political side was more surprising to me. His 10 rules at the end of the book are very wise and practical.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Lance Johnson

Ilford, United Kingdom

11/29/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"The title should really be "How to get Rich""

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes - fantastic life story on how hard work, intelligence, good social skills, and appropriate direction pays off.

What did you like best about this story?

His life as a bodybuilder and actor.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

His life in Germany, and the amount of stress he went through.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Smart guys really finish first.

Any additional comments?

Arnold's autobio is a fantastic story that everyone should get. I highly recommend it having read the book and listen to it both, on multiple times. Another recommendation is his book "Education of A Bodybuilder" his earlier bio (Amazon)- it is obligatory for all to read, and will inspire u.

If I was to summarise "True Lies", it is this - have a life plan - eg. President of the USA - use methods which u would enjoy - bodybuilding, acting - focus on that with tunnel vision and achieve to be the best - e.g. Mr Olympia - then use that as a platform to launch the next stage of ur career e.g. acting. Then work hard with focus and concentration on that. Ensure u develop ur ability to charm people so eventually they will help u, and be able to push through long areas of boredom, don't let anyone rattle u, and adjust as u go along the way.

Arnold has many of the characteristics from the book the Millionaire next door (great listen on Audible) - from being frugal to being business minded, and hard work.

Arnold's life is all about the above, and this book shows how he practically applied it. Don't waste ur money on any Trump book, or some other self-help. Learn from the master.

I have read this book and many other books on Arnold which I will summarise - but this is a great starting point.

1. Education of a Bodybuilder - inspirational book on his life - note - he comes across a narcissist, but this may have developed as many people never believed in him - not even his his own father. I suppose it was a reaction to that. But one of the top 5 bios I have read, due to the inspiration it gave me.

2. Wendy Leigh Arnold biography - get it from Amazon Kindle cheap - the best biography out there - written by a UK tabloid writer - many points on Arnold life that simply not covered elsewhere - should be turned into an audio book.

3. Arnold by Ian Halperin (available on Audible): Great listen, funny, though a bit condescending, The only other available audiobook on Audible at this time, great listen.

4. In the Shadow of the Austrian by Barbara Baker - former girlfriend of Arnold (mentioned in both of his autobiography)- nice read, but focuses more on herself than Arnold.

5. Arnold Schwarzenegger A portrait by George Butler - Great photos with some interesting background on Arnold.

Overall although there are some parts of "True Lies" which are not wholly accurate, the lessons from his life are still there.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Rawlingeek

11/29/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Amazing"

My first book from audible and it was amazing, I have always loved his films and had no idea how colourful his life was. Well worth it

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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